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Laojun Cave (老君洞), also known as Taiji Palace, is the largest and most important Taoist temple in the main urban area of Chongqing. It is located on Laojun Mountain near Huangjueya in Nan'an District, Chongqing, and is renowned as the "No. 1 Taoist Temple in Eastern Sichuan".

History and Name

The site has a history of over 1,300 years. It is said that the temple was originally a Buddhist temple named Guanghua Temple during the Tang Dynasty, or alternatively, a shrine dedicated to Tushan-shi, the wife of the legendary King Yu the Great. After reconstruction in 1480 and expansion in 1574 during the Ming Dynasty, the temple was converted into a Taoist temple and renamed "Taiji Palace," commonly known as "Laojun Cave". In 1739, a Taoist abbot from the Quanzhen School's Dragon Gate Sect took over and revived the temple, cementing its status as a key center for the Dragon Gate Sect in the Chongqing area.

Architecture and Layout

The temple's layout is unique, following the terrain of the mountain. It is designed in the shape of the Chinese character "玄" (Xuan, meaning "mysterious" or "profound"), with halls and pavilions spiraling up the steep cliffs. The complex features 13 main halls, including the Sanqing Hall (Hall of the Three Purities), Zhenwu Hall, Yuhuang Hall (Jade Emperor Hall), and Cihang Hall. A climb to the top leads to the "Nantianmen" (Southern Heavenly Gate), the highest point of the temple, which offers a panoramic view of the Yuzhong Peninsula and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.

Historical Relics

The temple is home to numerous valuable artifacts and stone carvings. Among the most notable are the "Five Dragons Holding the Saint" relief from the Ming Dynasty, the "You Long" (Like a Dragon) cursive stone inscription, and the "Qingniu Tu" (Green Ox) relief carved into the cliff face. There are also stone carvings depicting scenes from Taoist folklore and ancient stories, making it a site of significant cultural and historical interest.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Near Huangjueya, Nan'an District, Chongqing.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
  • Admission: Free.
  • Best Time to Visit: The temple is particularly bustling during traditional festivals like the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, as well as Qingming and the Hungry Ghost Festival. It is also a popular spot to watch the sunset over the city.

Tour Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mC1EXBcQeM